Another gorgeous sunny day, although rain and cooler temps are coming tomorrow. First up after breakfast – a “free” walking tour.
Our tour guide proved to be quite the historian. Not as funny as the Prague guide, but well versed in historical facts.
We began at the Albertina, part of the huge Hofborg Castle grounds, and now an art museum. The Hofburg Castle was home to the Hapsburg dynasty. Franz Josef I ruled for 68 years until he died in 1916. He was followed for two final years by his grand-nephew, Charles, and then the 640 year reign of the Habsburg’s ended 1918 with WWI. The Habsburgs were also Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire for their first 500 years in power.
Currently, the real crown and the rest of the Imperial Regalia are exhibited at the Hofburg in Vienna — officially “until there is again a Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation.” Wow, I guess?
Today they were also holding a thanksgiving festival celebrating the harvest. There was almost a county fair atmosphere at the castle grounds and later a religious procession from the massive cathedral on the grounds.
Leopold Mozart brought his soon to be famous 6 year old son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, to Vienna. Somehow young Mozart was able to play for Empress Maria Theresa and the royal court at Schloss Schonbrunn. Mozart amazed everyone with his musical genius, compositions, and playing ability. His path through his short life (35 years) was set from that point.
Along with Hayden and Beethoven, Mozart played “serious” music. Some fifty years later, “pop” music of the early 19th century came on the scene in the form of the waltz! The waltz king, Johann Strauss, became the first “Pop Star” with his shocking music of an uptempo beat, and with couples dancing closely together! Shocking to the aristocracy! Somewhat of a playboy, Strauss was 13 times engaged and 3 times married. He definitely fit the mold of a modern pop star.
We visited the St. Stephen’s Cathedral after leaving the castle grounds (History: https://www.stephanskirche.at/history.php). The current St. Stephen’s was built in the Romanesque and Gothic form similar to the Gaudi-designed La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Saint Stephen, venerated as the first martyr of the Catholic Church, was stoned to death for his religious beliefs.
The 446 foot tall South Tower has 343 steps! All in a tiny, winding, spiral stone staircase. Barely enough space to let someone pass if you both squish against the walls.
And it’s a Catholic Church so of course they have a shop at the top where they sell rosary beads and other religious items. But the best part is that there are also benches to sit down on at the top! It was a sweaty climb!
Cardinal Views of Vienna from the Tower
At an outdoor cafe, I enjoyed some delicious Austrian goulash and a beer.
A funny note about the photo above…
When I sat down at my lunch table, the man at my left was telling the waiter that he was waiting for a friend. Then the guy promptly fell asleep. About ten minutes later, the lady walks up to and touches his shoulder to wake him, and then bends down to give him a hug. He continues to stay slumped in his chair. She sits down and begins talking, and within 30 seconds, he falls asleep again. She waits a bit, then she starts talking, he stirs, mumbles a response, and falls back asleep. This was repeated over and over the entire time I sat next to them. Not sure what his story was, but he sure was sleepy! Zowie!
More Photos
My pizza dinner was excellent! Sweet vermouth aperitif, a pitcher of water, and today’s pizza special. May have been the best pizza ever, even though it seems like an odd group of ingredients.
Next I’m off to Bratislava and Budapest in the morning!
Words of wisdom, or just to amuse…?
What did the Dalmatian say when itching a scratch? Oh yeah, that’s the spot.
A Captain’s Adventures 